MFSL CD'S
Posted by: Right Wing on 10 May 2007
I recently bought SD Gaucho on mfsl for about £25 on ebay, I am wondering if anyone else has this and any other albums on mfsl.
I have a few other copies of gaucho but I do not really like the sound quality, the remaster is very tiring - I am hoping that the mfsl version will be better?
Can anyone recommend any other titles on mfsl?
Regards
Peter
I have a few other copies of gaucho but I do not really like the sound quality, the remaster is very tiring - I am hoping that the mfsl version will be better?
Can anyone recommend any other titles on mfsl?
Regards
Peter
Posted on: 10 May 2007 by Michael
The Folk Singer by Muddy Waters ... if you like acoustic blues .... demonstration class recording.
Posted on: 10 May 2007 by Right Wing
Thanks Michael - will look out for one.
Peter
Peter
Posted on: 10 May 2007 by Right Wing
quote:Originally posted by munch:Peter please post what you think it sounds like, when you get it.It will be good to hear your thoughts on it.I would tell you mine ,but i will let you make your own mind up.Regards munchquote:Originally posted by Right Wing:
I recently bought SD Gaucho on mfsl for about £25 on ebay, I am wondering if anyone else has this and any other albums on mfsl.
I have a few other copies of gaucho but I do not really like the sound quality, the remaster is very tiring - I am hoping that the mfsl version will be better?
Can anyone recommend any other titles on mfsl?
Regards
Peter
Munch - great idea, ill post my thoughts over over the weekend.
Peter
Posted on: 10 May 2007 by AV@naim
Nirvana's Nevermind 24k:-
(probably not to your taste)
Sounds almost wrong, as the "straight from master" recording takes away some of the coarse/harshness of the commercial release.
Still, it's a very good album, and in some ways quite pleasing to listen to in this guise...
(probably not to your taste)
Sounds almost wrong, as the "straight from master" recording takes away some of the coarse/harshness of the commercial release.
Still, it's a very good album, and in some ways quite pleasing to listen to in this guise...
Posted on: 10 May 2007 by Right Wing
quote:Originally posted by AV@naim:
Nirvana's Nevermind 24k:- (probably not to your taste)
You could not be more wrong!!
I am a Nirvana fan, it was the Nevermind album that started my passion for music, it was also the first ever CD I owned.
It is a superb album, for me it has everything that a good album should. I even have some great bootlegs, including his last ever concert in Rome if I am correct.
Thanks for your opinion though on the mfsl - I have seen it on ebay for quite alot of money.
Peter
Posted on: 10 May 2007 by ryan_d
I do have to say that the nirvana lp is on simply vinyl 180g for about £12 and sounds fabulous, and i have an original subpop pressing too, (bought it at the gig in glasgow).
The simply vinyl pressing is better.
Ryan
The simply vinyl pressing is better.
Ryan
Posted on: 10 May 2007 by Chris Kelly
RW
I've got about 50 MFSL gold cd's, so too many to list here. I used to travel to the US on business agreat deal in the 90's and always sought out the local CD retailers wherever I was.
Some fave's are the aforementioned Muddy Waters "Folk Singer". I use track 4 "Good Morning Little School Girl" as my standard evaluation piece, as I did it the recent Heathrow event, for example. B.B. King "Live at the Regal", Howlin' Wolf "The Real Folk Blues" (mostly mono recordings, but great), TYA "Sssssh"&"Cricklewood Green" on one disc, Santana "Abraxas", Jimmy Reed "Live at Carnegie Hall",the aformentioned Nirvana, John Mellencamp "Scarecrow", Robbie Robertson's eponymous album, Dave Mason "Alone Together" to name a few of them. I have several double albums too, including such diverse titles as "The Wall", "Quadrophenia" and EC's "Just One Night".
I used to think the sound quality was head and shoulders above the standard issues, but that was before I had a Naim system. Even cruddy recordings sound better to my ears on this kit! (Probably auto suggestion!) The discs I have are both Gain and Gain2: but I couldn't tell you without reading the label which is which.
If they are fetching that much on ebay maybe I should have a dabble!
I've got about 50 MFSL gold cd's, so too many to list here. I used to travel to the US on business agreat deal in the 90's and always sought out the local CD retailers wherever I was.
Some fave's are the aforementioned Muddy Waters "Folk Singer". I use track 4 "Good Morning Little School Girl" as my standard evaluation piece, as I did it the recent Heathrow event, for example. B.B. King "Live at the Regal", Howlin' Wolf "The Real Folk Blues" (mostly mono recordings, but great), TYA "Sssssh"&"Cricklewood Green" on one disc, Santana "Abraxas", Jimmy Reed "Live at Carnegie Hall",the aformentioned Nirvana, John Mellencamp "Scarecrow", Robbie Robertson's eponymous album, Dave Mason "Alone Together" to name a few of them. I have several double albums too, including such diverse titles as "The Wall", "Quadrophenia" and EC's "Just One Night".
I used to think the sound quality was head and shoulders above the standard issues, but that was before I had a Naim system. Even cruddy recordings sound better to my ears on this kit! (Probably auto suggestion!) The discs I have are both Gain and Gain2: but I couldn't tell you without reading the label which is which.
If they are fetching that much on ebay maybe I should have a dabble!
Posted on: 10 May 2007 by bazz
I only have two mfsl's, both Patricia Barber, Verse and Cafe Blue.
Cafe Blue is exceptional, Verse no better than other "normal" cds. I don't know if that indicates variability in mfsl standards or just the different quality of the original recordings.
Guess I'll have to buy a few more to find out.
Cafe Blue is exceptional, Verse no better than other "normal" cds. I don't know if that indicates variability in mfsl standards or just the different quality of the original recordings.
Guess I'll have to buy a few more to find out.
Posted on: 10 May 2007 by ewemon
Have a look at the following link. Dave is generally recognised to be an expert on MFSL discs.
I have a large number and yes the quality vairies between even MFSL discs. Some are excellent some not so. But this link will make interesting reading for you. If you get to I think page 7 then you will see his updated list. He changes the list once he does and A/B comparison between different discs i.e. normal pressings against MFSL versions and remember it is his opinion only . Let your ears do the walking.
http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=29768&highlight=allman
By the way Chris you are sitting on a goldmine with that number of MFSL's. The current average price on eBay for even one of the not so rares ones is about £25- £30. The Wall will fetch well over £100. I have recently seen it go for nearer £200.
I have a large number and yes the quality vairies between even MFSL discs. Some are excellent some not so. But this link will make interesting reading for you. If you get to I think page 7 then you will see his updated list. He changes the list once he does and A/B comparison between different discs i.e. normal pressings against MFSL versions and remember it is his opinion only . Let your ears do the walking.
http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=29768&highlight=allman
By the way Chris you are sitting on a goldmine with that number of MFSL's. The current average price on eBay for even one of the not so rares ones is about £25- £30. The Wall will fetch well over £100. I have recently seen it go for nearer £200.
Posted on: 10 May 2007 by AV@naim
quote:Originally posted by Right Wing:quote:Originally posted by AV@naim:
Nirvana's Nevermind 24k:- (probably not to your taste)
You could not be more wrong!!
I am a Nirvana fan, it was the Nevermind album that started my passion for music, it was also the first ever CD I owned.
It is a superb album, for me it has everything that a good album should. I even have some great bootlegs, including his last ever concert in Rome if I am correct.
Thanks for your opinion though on the mfsl - I have seen it on ebay for quite alot of money.
Peter
Coincidently, I've noticed the catalogue number for this disc is UDCD 666...
It cost me £60 about 7 years ago (ish).
Posted on: 11 May 2007 by JohanR
I have a bunch of MoFi records, both LP's and CD's, all of them sound great except Steely Dan's 'Kathy Lied', but that's probabably down to the recording. The Japanese 'Super Vinyl' pressings where of outstanding quality to.
The one I like best is probably an LP with Charlie Byrd 'Live at the Gate'.
JohanR
The one I like best is probably an LP with Charlie Byrd 'Live at the Gate'.
JohanR
Posted on: 11 May 2007 by tonym
Gulp!
Like you Chris I used to travel a lot to the States but this was before I was particularly discerning about recordings.
I picked up a couple of MFSL CDs there, "The Wall" and "Arc of a Diver" but I do recall sorting through a large rack of 'em & not bothering to buy any more. Very cheap as well! Damn!
Like you Chris I used to travel a lot to the States but this was before I was particularly discerning about recordings.
I picked up a couple of MFSL CDs there, "The Wall" and "Arc of a Diver" but I do recall sorting through a large rack of 'em & not bothering to buy any more. Very cheap as well! Damn!
Posted on: 12 May 2007 by Right Wing
OK - So my SD Gaucho MFSL arrived this morning.
My only other version is the latest remaster - 112 055-2, I have always found this album very very bright and tiring to listen to, I dont think I have ever sat and listened to it right through.
It has been a while since spinning it, so for a benchmark I sat through the first two tracks.
On with the lovely gold mfsl version -
Well, immediately the brightness has gone, Fagen now sounds as if he is much more present, vocals are certainly not thin sounding as they are on the remaster. What also strikes me about this version is how far it pushes CD towards vinyl, the presentation seems more vinyl like to my ears (have heard Gaucho on my father LP12).
As a result, I find myself pinned to the seat.
Remaster – Bright, and very tinny.
MFSL – Perhaps lacks some (I mean only just noticeable) dynamics, but much better all round in my opinion – I am very pleased.
Peter
My only other version is the latest remaster - 112 055-2, I have always found this album very very bright and tiring to listen to, I dont think I have ever sat and listened to it right through.
It has been a while since spinning it, so for a benchmark I sat through the first two tracks.
On with the lovely gold mfsl version -
Well, immediately the brightness has gone, Fagen now sounds as if he is much more present, vocals are certainly not thin sounding as they are on the remaster. What also strikes me about this version is how far it pushes CD towards vinyl, the presentation seems more vinyl like to my ears (have heard Gaucho on my father LP12).
As a result, I find myself pinned to the seat.
Remaster – Bright, and very tinny.
MFSL – Perhaps lacks some (I mean only just noticeable) dynamics, but much better all round in my opinion – I am very pleased.
Peter
Posted on: 12 May 2007 by ewemon
quote:Originally posted by Right Wing:
OK - So my SD Gaucho MFSL arrived this morning.
My only other version is the latest remaster - 112 055-2, I have always found this album very very bright and tiring to listen to, I dont think I have ever sat and listened to it right through.
It has been a while since spinning it, so for a benchmark I sat through the first two tracks.
On with the lovely gold mfsl version -
Well, immediately the brightness has gone, Fagen now sounds as if he is much more present, vocals are certainly not thin sounding as they are on the remaster. What also strikes me about this version is how far it pushes CD towards vinyl, the presentation seems more vinyl like to my ears (have heard Gaucho on my father LP12).
As a result, I find myself pinned to the seat.
Remaster – Bright, and very tinny.
MFSL – Perhaps lacks some (I mean only just noticeable) dynamics, but much better all round in my opinion – I am very pleased.
Peter
I totally concur with your findings. Now start looking for the original versions of the Steely Dan discs without the barcode on the back you will be amazed how much better they sound on a Naim system.
Posted on: 12 May 2007 by Right Wing
quote:Originally posted by ewemon:I totally concur with your findings. Now start looking for the original versions of the Steely Dan discs without the barcode on the back you will be amazed how much better they sound on a Naim system.
My dad has the box set, I am pretty sure they are not remastered, so, are they the same "pressings" as the ones to which you refer?
Peter
Posted on: 12 May 2007 by Right Wing
Can anyone comment on the Allmans Live @ Filmore MFSL CD?
Posted on: 12 May 2007 by ewemon
Right Wing.
Firstly re the Steely Dan's simple answer is no. Think you are talking about the Citizen box set. Try and dig out the first versions of the discs. Barcodes weren't put on covers way back then. You can still pick them up on eBay.
Now re the Allmans disc it is probably the best version out there. If you find one try and get the Japanese MFSL disc catalogue number is UDCD 558. But whatever be prepared to pay as I have seen it go for up to $200
Firstly re the Steely Dan's simple answer is no. Think you are talking about the Citizen box set. Try and dig out the first versions of the discs. Barcodes weren't put on covers way back then. You can still pick them up on eBay.
Now re the Allmans disc it is probably the best version out there. If you find one try and get the Japanese MFSL disc catalogue number is UDCD 558. But whatever be prepared to pay as I have seen it go for up to $200
Posted on: 12 May 2007 by Right Wing
Thanks for that - yes I was refering to the citzen box set.
Next I fancy the allmans filmore concert - and maybe some elvis.
I do see on ebay on there are a few allmans filmore mfsl going for $200.
How much "better" is it to the remastered cd?
Cheers
Next I fancy the allmans filmore concert - and maybe some elvis.
I do see on ebay on there are a few allmans filmore mfsl going for $200.
How much "better" is it to the remastered cd?
Cheers
Posted on: 12 May 2007 by Right Wing
Posted on: 12 May 2007 by BigH47
Note it is still for sale though.
Posted on: 12 May 2007 by ewemon
quote:
If you are really wanting a copy of it then pop on to Amazon US where they them starting at about $90. But remember it will set you back a load of cash if the Customs pick it up here.
Not sure if you were wondering if that eBay auction was the one to which I was referring. Nope it is almost become a standard price on eBay for a good copy of the Allmans disc.
Posted on: 12 May 2007 by Steve S1
Worth it? The remastered CD (US copy) is pretty good.
Steve
Steve
Posted on: 13 May 2007 by ewemon
quote:Originally posted by Steve S1:
Worth it? The remastered CD (US copy) is pretty good.
Steve
A very valid point is it worth it? Personally I like the cleaner sound and being able to hear discs that are as close to the original mix as poss. Apart from that it is an investment like say buying a NAIM system.
We frequently have discussions on the forum as to whether or not a particular cable etc improves sound. You could argue that we should do the same with discs as there is certainly so many different pressings/mixes/remasters etc.
As the disc comes before the cable isn't it more important?
It would be interesting to hear peoples opinions.
Wasn't Linn's strap line once Rubbish in Rubbish out or something along those lines. Can't quite remember old age has crept in.
Posted on: 13 May 2007 by ewemon
quote:Originally posted by Chris Kelly:
RW
I've got about 50 MFSL gold cd's, so too many to list here. I used to travel to the US on business agreat deal in the 90's and always sought out the local CD retailers wherever I was.
Some fave's are the aforementioned Muddy Waters "Folk Singer". I use track 4 "Good Morning Little School Girl" as my standard evaluation piece, as I did it the recent Heathrow event, for example. B.B. King "Live at the Regal", Howlin' Wolf "The Real Folk Blues" (mostly mono recordings, but great), TYA "Sssssh"&"Cricklewood Green" on one disc, Santana "Abraxas", Jimmy Reed "Live at Carnegie Hall",the aformentioned Nirvana, John Mellencamp "Scarecrow", Robbie Robertson's eponymous album, Dave Mason "Alone Together" to name a few of them. I have several double albums too, including such diverse titles as "The Wall", "Quadrophenia" and EC's "Just One Night".
I used to think the sound quality was head and shoulders above the standard issues, but that was before I had a Naim system. Even cruddy recordings sound better to my ears on this kit! (Probably auto suggestion!) The discs I have are both Gain and Gain2: but I couldn't tell you without reading the label which is which.
If they are fetching that much on ebay maybe I should have a dabble!
Chris just to let you know that a copy of The Wall has just sold on eBay for $589 making it about 300 squid give or take a bob or two.
Posted on: 13 May 2007 by Steve S1
quote:We frequently have discussions on the forum as to whether or not a particular cable etc improves sound. You could argue that we should do the same with discs as there is certainly so many different pressings/mixes/remasters etc.
Hi,
Yes indeed. The point I was making with the Allman Bros live is that the original CD issue was pants. The remaster (US) is really very good it cost me about $10 I think.
If I thought there were super pressings that polished turds like U2 recordings etc. I'd be up for them. Too often though, these releases seem to cover albums that are pretty good pressing anyway. In which case, you pay a lot for not much improvement.
Careful selection of normal pressings can get you good results for a lot less if you can be arsed to import them.
Usually less than £18's worth in the UK if you want to avoid the customs crap.
Steve